Abstract: There is disclosed a distributed architecture messaging recording system that employs a hierarchy of storage nodes to distribute system utilization across the various nodes of the systems so as to minimize the likelihood of system blockages. The hierarchy may be supplemented by relocation of messages directed toward particular users to a subset of the various nodes. Message relocation may utilize a statistical engine monitoring access to the system, by both system subscribers and by callers leaving messages for the subscribers, to select a subset of the various nodes upon which to relocate messages as well as particular subscribers for which to relocate messages.